Mavs want Terry back, at right price

DALLAS _ Jason Terry has been a permanent fixture with the Dallas Mavericks for the past eight seasons.

Whether he makes it to a ninth season is anybody's guess.

"I think you need to ask him that," general manager Donnie Nelson said Sunday. "You talk about a guy that's given his heart and soul to this franchise, and made big plays and big shots.

"We'd love to have Jet back. It's just at what cost?"

Terry, who made $11.4 million this past season, was the starting point guard when the Mavs made their first appearance in the NBA Finals in 2006. And he was a key player off the bench and the team's second-leading scorer behind Dirk Nowitzki when the Mavs captured last year's NBA title.

"We all know what he means on the court _ one of the best clutch shooters I think this league has ever seen," Nowitzki said. "But also off the court (he's) always joking, great for the chemistry, great in the community, so he's my man.

"Hopefully it's going to work out, it's going to work out for him the way he wants it to. I think it's definitely going to be weird seeing him in a different jersey, so hopefully we figure it out and he'll be here."

Asked if he'll be back with the Mavs next season, an emotional Terry said: "I really can't say at this time. I don't know. I've got a lot of things on the agenda."

KIDD WANTS TO RETURN

Point guard Jason Kidd started his career with the Mavs in 1994, and would love to finish it with the Mavs in two years.

Kidd, who will be 40 by the time next season ends, has played 18 seasons and would love to make it an even 20. But first he has to come to terms with the Mavs on a new contract because he becomes a free agent on July 1.

I really have enjoyed my time here," said Kidd, whose second tour with the Mavs started in 2008. "It's gone by extremely fast, and I feel like I can help a team win and hopefully it's back here."

Kidd, who missed 18 games this season due to a lower back injury, right calf strain, right groin strain and rest, said his decision o play with whatever team will be made as much on fit as it will be about finances.

"Hopefully I do have a little value," said Kidd, who made $8.5 million this season. "I don't want to come cheap or come free."